Would like to get this fixed by a mechanic this week, but want to have a vague idea of what it is beforehand.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi3xCBf1YSw

Dry idler pulley bearing.

Thanks Max. Can a mechanical novice like myself fix it, or is it best to leave to a mechanic?

Fixing it involves taking each of the two ancillary belts off, one at a time, and starting the car to see if the noise has gone. If the noise goes away then it's a matter of working out how to remove the idler pulley, getting a new one, installing it and getting the belt on at the right tension.

Probably a lot easier to see a mechanic and say you suspect the squeal is from a idler pulley, and let him sus it out.

I sprayed some of this onto mine about a year ago. Still quiet.

http://www.crcind.com.au/tac2-adhesive-lubricant

Can a mechanical novice like myself fix it, or is it best to leave to a mechanic?

One way to test this can be to get some INOX lubricant (WD40 isn't a lubricant) and spray a little onto the idler pulley bearing (not the outside where the belt goes!). If the noise goes away, you know it's the idler pulley.

Definitely a job that can be done at home but it depends what you mean by "mechanical novice". In most jobs something always catches you by surprise or goes wrong, and if the idea of those surprises freaks you out - don't tackle it. Also look at your tools - if your entire toolkit consists of a single "60 piece toolkit" or something like that, this is not the job for you.

I probably overstated my abilities by saying that I was a novice. It's definitely something I'm leaving for a professional :P

I'll have a go at lubing the bearing. If the lube makes the squeal go away, is there any harm in leaving the bearing as-is, or should it be replaced nonetheless?

No harm in continuing to use the idler after you have got it to stop squealing.

You will need to get under the car and locate the idlers, and squirt the lube accurately on the centre. Don't get it on the belts or the grooves the belts run on.

Sounds like another spontaneous DIY day Red, or wait till next weekend if you are game :)

Mate be very careful, while it may be simply the belt pulley last time I heard that noise customer drove away as did not believe me was either water pump or timing belt idler. Week later was back on a truck getting a new motor fitted

It does amuse me how ppl can say with cert that is part x off a YouTube vid. Hopefully is minor but get it checked before you drive too much and make sure you get parts quote as some of these idlers are over priced retail

No certainty at all in identifying a noise remotely. The advice is worth what you paid for it, see a mechanic for more accurate diagnosis.

At least squirting some lube in the idler bearings will tell if it is an idler or not. If not, the hunt goes on. As above, might not be idler, could be something more serious.

Last time I hear that noise - only ever heard it once - it was an idler, so I'd start there.

Other options for the noise - as above, timing belt idlers, water pump. Also alternator bearing(s), plastic shroud over timing belt rubbing, etc.

You could always use the old stethoscope trick to isolate the area the sound is coming from. (Not to be done by a novice though. lol)